Analysis of H(sub 2)O Infrared Radiance Measured during the ELC-1 Rocket Experiment.
Abstract
This report presents an analysis of selected long-wavelength infrared (LWIR) limb radiance data measured in the ELC-1 radiometer experiment, launched on October 25, 1983, from the White Sands Missile Range, NM at local time 0426 hrs. From the CO sub 2 nu sub 2 band emission, information on the mesospheric profile and the radiometer absolute calibration is extracted. The results are combined with a measurement of water vapor rotational emission in the 23-29 micrometers region to derive a water vapor profile, accurate to within around a factor-of-two range, for 55 km - 85 km altitudes. The ELC-1 results are consistent with previous mid-latitude measurements, made by microwave and solar IR absorption techniques, during fall or early winter months, and are of comparable or better accuracy. These results demonstrate the feasibility of global long-range sensing of water vapor in the mesosphere from rotational emission data obtained in satellite experiments, including the CIRRIS-1A experiment flown on the Space Shuttle STS-39 in April, 1991.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 15, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA259986
Entities
People
- P. De
- S. M. Adler-golden